Lydia leaves for porgy & Bess’ tour

Since that time many questions have been asked about the organisation founded by Keitha “Naima” Thompson, artistic director and producer for all its productions.

After an 11-year sojourn abroad, Thompson returned from New York in 2001 and started the school in 2002. She holds a BA in Communication Arts, has taught related courses for more than 14 years, and now works fulltime at the International School. She also obtained a Masters in Education. Other directors of Necessary Arts are Penelope Spencer, currently an educator of theatre arts and dance at Newtown Girls Roman Catholic School, the International School and Necessary Arts.

Having spent her formative years in Best Village theatre, Spencer has also performed in various theatrical productions. She is the technical writer and director for the Entertainment Theatre Company of Necessary Arts. Another director, Lydia Ledgerwood, left yesterday to perform in the “Porgy & Bess” tour of Australia and New Zealand with the Living Arts International Company. A teacher for 15 years, Ledgerwood graduated as “Teacher of the Year” in 1994 from the Valsayn Teachers’ College. She continued her studies while employed at St Martin’s RC, obtained first class honours in her BA Musical Arts from the University of the West Indies, and now teaches at St Francois Girls College.

The Necessary Arts programme runs in sync with the school term for 12 weeks, and seeks to expose students to a holistic approach to education.

A thematic approach allows participants an opportunity to creatively address social issues that may not be addressed at home or in the school. The after-school programme runs from 3.15 to 4.45 pm during which time participants will experience workshops in video production, pan, music theory, voice, theatre arts, dance, air-brush design and remedial reading and writing.

Students may select up to three workshops and are required to take leadership development, bringing their total to four workshops per week. Adult workshops run from 5 to 6.30 pm and Saturday morning workshops for 6-11 years from 9 to 11 am.